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Bristol car hire

Driver's age: 26-65
ven. 3/5
ven. 10/5

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Bristol car hire information

Pick-up locationBristol
Car types
Hire locations1
Airport locations0

Cheap car hire in Bristol

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Mini
Economy
Compact
Intermediate
Standard
Full-size
Luxury
People carrier
Passenger van
SUV
Commercial
Pick-up truck

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Bristol

  • One of the main advantages of renting cheap car rentals in Bristol is the convenience it provides. The city does not have a well-developed public transportation system, so renting a car is an excellent alternative mode of transportation. Bristol is a small town with significant tourist attractions, particularly NASCAR fans who flock to the Bristol Motor Speedway. If you want to enjoy the NASCAR races in Bristol, using Bristol car rentals ensures that you can get to the speedway effortlessly and quickly. Besides the Bristol Motor Speedway, you can also visit South Holston Lake, Steele Creek Park, and Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
  • Blountville Tri Cities TN/VA Airport (TRI) is approximately 17 miles from Bristol. The rental car offices at TRI are located on-site, adjacent to the baggage claim area and across from the airline ticket counters. Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is approximately 75 miles from Bristol. The rental car offices at AVL are located on the ground level of the airport terminal, between baggage claim and the main exit. There is no airport shuttle to the car rental offices, but some rental car companies provide courtesy shuttles to their facilities if off-site.
  • Bristol is a relatively small city with well-maintained streets and signage, making it easy for drivers to navigate. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when driving cheap car rentals in Bristol. One thing to be aware of is that there are several sharp turns and hills in the city, particularly on State Street, which is the main road through downtown. These elevated portions of the road may require extra caution when driving, especially during poor weather conditions. There are usually a fair number of pedestrians on the roads, so it’s important to be aware of people crossing the street, particularly in the downtown area.
  • Rush hour traffic in Bristol occurs during typical peak times in the morning between 7:00 am to 9:00 am and evening between 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with the most congested areas being State Street, Volunteer Parkway, and I-81. It is recommended to avoid these areas during these times if possible. In addition, winters in Bristol can be cold with occasional snow and ice storms, which can make driving more difficult. Consequently, it is important to drive cheap car rentals in Bristol slower and leave plenty of distance between vehicles in these conditions.
  • Book your car hire in Bristol at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Economy car hire in Bristol are around 26% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Bristol

  • How much is the price of fuel in Bristol?

    The average price of fuel in Bristol is R74,29 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R891 and R1 189, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Bristol?

    Economy (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Bristol.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Bristol?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does an Economy car hire cost in Bristol?

    An Economy car hire in Bristol costs R935 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Full Size car hire cost in Bristol?

    A Full Size car hire in Bristol costs R1 243 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Bristol?

    A Standard car hire in Bristol costs R1 551 per day, on average.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Bristol?

    An intermediate car or SUV would be the most recommended type of vehicle for driving in Bristol. This is because the roads in Bristol can be quite hilly and winding, and an SUV or intermediate car will have enough power and stability to navigate these roads with ease. In particular, a car like the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V would be a great option for driving in Bristol. These vehicles offer a high level of maneuverability and can easily handle the steep hills and sharp turns that are common in the area.

  • What’s the speed limit in Bristol?

    Residential areas in Bristol have a speed limit of 25-35 mph, depending on the road and the presence of traffic signs. School zones usually have a speed limit of 15-20 mph during school hours, and construction zones may have lower speed limits posted. State routes and highways typically have higher speed limits, ranging from 45-60 mph, depending on the road. Interstate highways, such as I-81 and I-26, have a speed limit of 70 mph unless otherwise posted.

  • Where are the best places to park in Bristol?

    Downtown Bristol has a mix of free and paid parking options available. On-street parking is available throughout the city, and most spots require payment through meters or the use of a mobile app. The cost of parking typically ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the location. Downtown Bristol also has several parking lots and garages available where visitors can park Bristol car rentals. The State Street Parking Garage offers covered parking for a low hourly rate, with the first hour being free. 

Bristol car rental reviews and directory

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

6,6

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

6.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

6.0

2 locations in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

1138 W Main St

+1 276 619 4555

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2123 Volunteer Pkwy

+1 423 989 6169

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

8,0 Very Good

Nov 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff

Cons:

Price

2,0 Poor

Jun 2023

KAYAK
paid for the travel insurance through kayak. canceled the trip and nobody has been able to help get my refund. everyone says “i can’t find the policy” but you took my money.

1 out of 1

Thrifty

6,1

One location in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

2525 Highway 75

+1 423 325 6200

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Aug 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

The car ran very well. I had a big trip to take and found my transportation absolutely comfortable and reliable and that was a big help!!

Cons:

Unlimited miles is within a region. I traveled outside the "region" and there was an extra $20/day fee. But, I did know this ahead of driving off and made the choice to stay with this car company. It beat the $200 surprise payment I had on my last car rental.

8,8 Very Good

Jul 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

I was able to rent a full size sedan for the price of a sub compact.

Cons:

The car smelled like smoke and the head liner had chocolate smeared across it in the back seat. The back seat also had white crusty stuff on it.

2,0 Poor

Jul 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

I liked that i could cancel both the rental and insurance with no penalty. Be aware that the insurance that is first offered through Kayak partners is not usually through the rental agency itself. Investigate the rental car's coverage and price and compare. Lesson Learned. I walked away.

Cons:

I bear some responsibility as i chose the "Our Choice" option. But know that it does appear to be a ploy of getting more money out of you. Here's the rundown of my experience. 1. They first ask you the purpose and mileage of your proposed trip. 2. They then give you the least compatible vehicle for such a trip. 3. Then when you ask for an obviously more suitable vehicle they get into the upcharge/upgrade game. 4. This deal quickly turns into getting an economy car at the intermediate grade price. The Compact car rental price was just $1 more than the "Our Choice" option. So, never again. I'm sure, depending on the scruples of the attendant one might get a good deal, but as i experienced it this is an unethical practice.

5,6 Fair

May 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

Thrifty's manager's choice at Tri-City airport was a pickup. They wouldn't even hardly tell me what it was until they handed me the keys. The pickup had been smoked in and they had tried to cover it up with a cleaner that smells worse than the smoke.

8,0 Very Good

Nov 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Received free upgrade. Car was clean. Price was great.

Cons:

Waited for 15-20 minutes at pick-up even though there was only one other customer. No one was there for the return at 930 in the morning. Just left the keys in the box.

2,0 Poor

Jul 2017

KAYAK

Cons:

I reserved a "Chevy Spark or similar", when I arrived they said the only thing I could get was a very large quad-cab truck or pay an additional $120 to get a different vehicle. A large quad-cab truck would not work for our needs, was forced to stay at the airport for several hours while working out other means of transportation.

1 out of 3

National

8,9

Very Good

No reviews available

Best rated

One location in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

2525 Highway 75

+1 423 323 5897

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:30
Sunday08:00 - 17:30

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

6,3

Okay

No reviews available

One location in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

2525 Highway 75

+1 423 325 6200

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4,6

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Budget

No score available yet

One location in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

2525 Highway 75

+1 423 323 6304

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:30
Sunday08:00 - 17:30

Filters

Reviews

4,0 Mediocre

Sep 2022

KAYAK
The car is was awful.

8,0 Very Good

Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Smooth transaction

Cons:

Lower prices

10,0 Wonderful

Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Seamless check in service. Free upgrade to a new, spacious vehicle. Very easy, safe modified drop off during COVID.

10,0 Wonderful

Mar 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

i NEEDED A CHANGE IN DROP OFF AND BUDGET WAS FLEXIBLE

8,0 Very Good

Sep 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Easy, clean, great price!

10,0 Wonderful

Jun 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Great experience. Would deal with them 100 x over to Enterprise. Thanks

1 out of 8

Avis

No score available yet

One location in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

2525 Highway 75

+1 423 325 6440

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:30
Sunday08:00 - 17:30

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Jul 2017

KAYAK

Cons:

Smelly on the whole journey. Not as spacious as it discribed.

10,0 Wonderful

May 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Palne landed late and agent worked with me

10,0 Wonderful

Apr 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

In and out in no time.

6,0 Okay

Sep 2016

KAYAK

Cons:

Was told by the agent, well you rented from a 3rd party not us so that's what you get. Agent was curt when I returned the car. There were no directions on where to park a returned car. Very much left on your own.

6,0 Okay

May 2022

KAYAK
Do not I say again do not use the prepaid gas unless traveling to California or somewhere very expensive for gas

10,0 Wonderful

Dec 2021

KAYAK
I liked the size of the car & friendly service. Only bad thing was the car hadn't been cleaned really good. Noticed a French fries and other trash beside driver seat. Everything else great

1 out of 3

Eagle Rent A Car

No score available yet

One location in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

Bristol City Location

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Bristol

Show locations

Locations in Bristol

Tri City Reginal APT

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

73 travellers who hired a car in Bristol gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.9

Car hire locations in or near Bristol

Good to know

Most popular car type

Economy

When to book a car hire in Bristol

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches